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Refuse/Waste - Definition

What is illegal dumping?

Illegal dumping is the disposal of solid and hazardous waste in a non-permitted area.

Solid (non-hazardous) waste is defined as "any garbage, refuse, sludge from a waste treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded material, including solid, liquid, semisolid, or contained gaseous material resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural operations and from community activities, but does not include solid or dissolved material in domestic sewage."

Examples of such waste include domestic trash and garbage, such as milk cartons and coffee grounds; other refuse such as metal scrap, wallboard, and empty containers; and other discarded materials from industrial operations, such as boiler slag and fly ash.

What are hazardous wastes?

Hazardous waste is defined as any "solid waste, or combination of solid wastes, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may: (1) cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious, irreversible, or incapacitating illness; or (2) pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health, or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise managed." The EPA has specified that a solid waste is hazardous if analysis proves it to be (1) ignitable, (2) corrosive, (3) reactive, or (4) toxic.

Illegal dumping may also be known as "open dumping," "fly dumping," and "midnight dumping" because materials are often dumped in open areas, dumped from vehicles along roadsides, and/or dumped late at night. Illegally dumped wastes are primarily non-hazardous materials that are dumped to avoid either disposal fees or the time and effort required for proper disposal. These materials typically include:

  • Construction and demolition waste, such as drywall, roofing shingles, lumber, bricks, concrete, and siding
  • Abandoned automobiles, auto parts, and scrap tires
  • Appliances or "white goods"
  • Furniture
  • Yard waste
  • Household trash
  • Medical waste

    Wastes such as scrap tires, bulky items, and yard waste may be illegally dumped because they are banned from landfills and their proper management can be costly. Residential and commercial wastes may be illegally dumped in areas that lack or have costly pickup service.

    Where does illegal dumping occur?

    Sites used for illegal dumping may vary but may include abandoned industrial, residential, or commercial buildings; vacant lots on public or private property; and infrequently used alleys or roadways. Because of their accessibility and poor lighting, areas along rural roads and railways are particularly vulnerable. Illegal dumping can occur at any time or day, but is more common at night or in the early morning hours during warmer months.

    If not addressed, illegal dumps often attract more waste, potentially including hazardous wastes such as asbestos, household chemicals and paints, automotive fluids, and commercial or industrial wastes.

    Why is illegal dumping a problem?

    Illegal dump sites create a public nuisance and divert land from more productive uses. Additionally, illegal dump sites can serve as magnets for additional dumping and other criminal activities. As a result of illegal dumping, property values decrease and the community becomes unattractive to commercial and residential developers. Without the tax revenues that accompany development, the funding available to establish and maintain effective illegal dumping prevention programs is limited. Ultimately, it is the development of areas susceptible to illegal dumping that eradicates the problem.

    Finally, the costs to local governments and industry associated with continuous clearing of illegally dumped waste materials are significant. Some urban areas have reported spending several million dollars per year on cleanup, hauling, and disposal activities associated with illegal dump sites. These costs may be passed along to residents in the form of higher service fees and property taxes.